On September 6, a remarkable piece of Queen memorabilia will be featured in the highly anticipated annual Freddie Mercury Birthday Party held in Montreux, Switzerland. This unique item is a signed copy of the band’s iconic 1975 album, A Night at the Opera, autographed by all three surviving members of the group. This event is especially noteworthy as it includes the signature of bassist John Deacon, who has refrained from signing items since 1997, making this a rare opportunity for collectors and fans alike.

The silent auction will occur at the historic Casino Barriere Montreux, which is significant not only for its connection to the band but also because it housed Queen’s Mountain Studios until 2013, where the band recorded six of their legendary albums. Proceeds from the sale of this album will support vital HIV/AIDS awareness initiatives, highlighting the band’s commitment to charitable causes.

What Happened to John Deacon After He Left Queen?

In 1997, John Deacon officially exited Queen, and since then, he has led an exceptionally private and quiet life. While he still participates in certain business-related matters concerning the band, Deacon’s low profile has led to a significant distance between him and his former bandmates, who have noted that they do not communicate frequently with him.

As Roger Taylor articulated in a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, “He’s completely retired from any kind of social contact. I think he’s a little fragile and he just didn’t want to know anything about talking to people in the music business or whatever. That’s fair enough. We respect that.” This statement underscores Deacon’s desire for privacy and his choice to step away from the public eye.

Brian May echoed Taylor’s sentiments, mentioning, “He wants to be private and in his own universe. He still keeps an eye on the finances, though. John Deacon is still John Deacon. We don’t undertake anything financial without talking to him.” This indicates that while Deacon may have withdrawn from social interactions, he remains an integral part of the band’s financial decisions.

READ MORE: Top 10 Queen ’70s Songs

May discussed Deacon further in a 2024 interview with Mojo, stating, “John still has a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ say. We get messages that he’s happy with what we’re doing, but he doesn’t want the stress of being involved creatively – and we respect that.” This highlights the enduring respect and camaraderie among the band members, even as they navigate their individual paths.